The comic art of Justin Bloom at Teatotaller

Thursday

Aug 29, 2013 at 3:15 AM

SOMERSWORTH — Comic artists are often familiar with a life of solitude — long hours behind a desk spilling their ideas in ink. Rarely are they found dabbling in community art projects, gallery openings, or organizing wild art installations.

Justin Bloom is not your regular comic artist. On Sept. 4, 6-9 p.m., Bloom will transform Somersworth’s Teatotaller Tea House into a showroom and a menagerie of original art work. When asked about the event, Bloom responds,“It’s hard to capture what it is. My work will be on display, which is a fun collection of my imagination poured into various drawings .”

But the wall-art is hardly the only thing curated at this ‘happening.’ As Bloom tells us “I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with local musician, Courtney Brooks, who will be producing all original music for the event. Guests will be given masks to add some color to the atmosphere — even the cookies were designed by me — but will be made in Teatotaller’s ovens, of course!”

Berwick’s native Bloom has been making quite a splash in the local art scene. The director of the Berwick Art Association, Bloom began his career as a graphic artist — working on CD albums, making logos, and even self-publishing a few graphic novellas. After lecturing a crowd of young entrepreneurs at this years Makers & Shakers Summit, explaining his drawing process — he was impressed by the audience reception to his work. “It was humbling and surprising to see how throwing my graphic work up on a big screen could have such a profound, visceral, and even entertaining effect on people.” Explains Bloom, “Ordinarily this kind of work belongs in small paperbound comic. It was then that the idea of a larger showing of my graphic art work began to take shape.”

Bloom is excited to be part of the growing artist community in the Somersworth/Berwick area. For him, arts practices are as much about gathering people together as they are about individual expression. “We need more reasons to congregate, come together, share our ideas and our talents,” says Bloom, “I think art show launch parties are the perfect way to shake things up and engage with the local community. Who doesn’t like to party?” (I love this part, you’re beautiful)

All of the drawings are professionally printed by Live Free Photography — a small, locally owned print shop in Downtown Portsmouth. They look really great.” 10 original works will be on display, all for sale, of limited editions each.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, Teatotaller hosts its monthly Art Show Launch Party. Come mingle with the Justin Bloom, grab a peek at his work, and celebrate the experience over a cup of tea or coffee. Party begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.

For more info about the artist, visit www.chromovore.com.

Teatotaller is a teahouse/cafe in downtown Somersworth bringing its own spin to British and Continental hospitality traditions. For more information, visit www.teatotallerteahouse.com.